UNICEF Backs Our Schools Opening Today

A leading international agency, which works closely with children has strongly supported Fiji’s reopening of schools from today.

United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Pacific Representative Jonathan Veitch said there were more than 200,000 school children who have lost an estimated 1050 hours each – and counting – of in-person learning since April 2021.

Mr Veitch said this led to these children being cut off from their education and the other vital benefits schools provide.

He added the latest evidence showed that schools do not drive the spread of COVID-19 in the community.

“COVID-19 does not pose as high a risk to children as it does to adults, and children are more at risk of COVID in the community than they are in school, so long as COVID-safe measures are followed in schools,” Mr Veitch said.

“School was an important time for children’s learning and development and, even during the pandemic, it was possible to attend school safely.”

It is understood that UNICEF had strongly lobbied for the reopening of schools to the Ministry of Health and Medical Services and Ministry of Education.

“As schools reopen for all Fijian children, UNICEF is working closely with the Ministry of Education, Heritage and Arts to ensure that they are safe, inclusive and provide supportive learning environments for all children,” Mr Veitch said.

“2022 cannot be yet another year of disrupted learning. It needs to be the year that education, and the best interests of children, take precedence.

“A whole-of-society approach needs to be taken to support children in returning to school. Parents must ensure that their children return to school and together with teachers, ensure that their children practice COVID-safe hygiene measures, including wearing masks, washing hands regularly for at least 20 seconds and keeping safe physical distance.”

He said while they acknowledged the massive efforts made in Fiji to provide school children with access to remote learning this year, the shift to remote learning globally has been associated with a learning loss.

“We are reassured that the Government is ensuring safety measures are adapted in schools across the country to provide all students with a safe and healthy learning environment.”

Minister for Education, Heritage and Arts, Premila Kumar said the commencement of the school today would see Years 12 and 13 return to finish the final lap in their bid to successfully sit and complete their National Examinations.

“While the return to school for many students may prove overwhelming, owing to their long absence from school, I want to assure parents, as well as students that the ministry will be working closely with various schools to provide the necessary psycho-social support to our students in the first week of their return. In the first week of the school, teachers will identify and assist students in need,” Mrs Kumar said.

“We know that face-to-face learning is vital for the academic achievement, mental and physical health, and overall well-being of our students. By continuing to work together, we can help ensure a positive school experience for everyone.”